CHAPTER 17—WATER

[LucianG]

Lucian

Commander Sheba looked over the Bridge. Everyone seemed to be under the dark cloud that overshadowed the Battlestar as a result of the deaths of Major Brie and Lieutenant Amy. The memorial service had just ended, and now someone had crashed a shuttle in the Black Squadron launch bay. To make matters worse, Major Lucian was missing so she had asked for Lieutenant BatGal to get down there to assess the situation. The only good recent news was that the Viper that had launched was equipped to fly during the jump for brief periods...if the pilot didn't make any mistakes and didn't try to venture too far from the ship.

Lieutenant Titon was next on her list, but when asked to go down there to look over the mess, he said, “Commander, we’ve got a big problem here in Engineering at the moment ourselves. When I got back from the service, one of the civil engineers who’s in charge of the water supply reported a problem. Now, I don’t ordinarily get involved in that aspect of engineering, but from what I can tell, we’ve got a real situation on our hands. Something, or maybe somebody, is shutting off the water supply around the ship. We’ve already looked at two of these solenoid-activated valves. They’ve been tripped remotely, from somewhere unknown by something unknown. What makes it even stranger, we can’t get them back on line. It looks like the main reserves are being isolated from the piping system. Even though we have plenty of water aboard, it’s almost like someone’s trying to keep us from getting to it.”

“Take care of it quickly, Lieutenant, then get over to Beta Bay. I want an expert opinion on the damage, and quickly!” she said.

“I’m on it, Commander,” said Titon.

Sheba looked at another report handed to her at that instant. Another low food reserve warning…

* * *

Najinn

Najinn was turboing away from the ship in his CORA equipped Viper, it was lucky that the last mission he flew in her she had been CORA equipped.

Not that it mattered at all really, Najinn didn't care anymore, he was completely lost in his grief and honestly didn't care for his own life anymore.

It wouldn't be a good time to run into a cylon patrol, they wouldn't really stand much a chance against him in this mood despite the fact his Viper was unarmed.

Why?!, was the only question that raced through his mind. After all the heartbreak he had been thru in his life, too lose Amy to a human, to a fellow human beings maniac ideas of revenge was purely beyond his understanding. For the Lords of Kobols sake they were running for their lives from the most insipid evil in the universe and here they were killing each other.

Najinn pulled the stick back fully and swept under the Callisto again. He was flying around her great streamlined bulk superstructure trying to get his mind straight. He needed to understand why, he wanted answers. He knew that he would never get them though, who could answer the one question central in his mind that remained. Only Amy had the answer and with her gone so too was the answer.

"Did she ever really love me?"

* * *

Stadia

Stadia started coughing as they tried to give her oxygen. She rolled over on her sides. The nurse sipped the oxygen mask over mouth and nose. She felt them replacing the ivs and didn’t care.

“Lucian. Where is Lucian? Whats wrong with him?”

The nurse tried to calm her but she would have nothing to with it. She tried to sit up and pull out the iv tube. The nurses wrestled her back onto the bed. She fought against them wanting to be by his side. One of the nurses took a syringe and filled it with a sedative. She squirted it to remove air bubbles and went to Stadia’s side. She injected it into her arm. Stadia fell back onto the bed as the sedative took hold.

The nurse kept checking Stadia’s condition. She eventually left the room.

Lucian was wheeled into the exam room. A doctor came in and began a thorough examination of Lucian. He checked the eye injury.

“We are going to have get some pictures of his shoulder before we proceed.”

A short time later Stadia woke up from the sedative they had given her. She licked her lips. She looked up to see Major Lucian in a bed across from hers. His forehead and eyes was covered with bandages and his shoulder was tied tightly to his chest. He wore an oxygen mask too.

She just stared at him knowing she would have to fight for him.

A nurse came in and saw that Stadia was awake. She came over and stood by her bed.

“We had no place else to put him. We had to save our last remaining bed for a Frodarin women and her baby.”

Stadia smiled…

* * *

Lucian

Commander Sheba read the report. The water system was basically shut down, with limited distribution capability. Titon's report showed that they were trying to reprogram the controllers. He'd even recruited Pell, one of the most skilled programmers in the fleet, but so far, they were having no success.

The situation with the shuttle had been contained, although it appeared to be a near loss, and now she had another injured Warrior and one was injured even worse than before. Lieutenant BatGal was placed in command of Black Squadron on a temporary basis until Major Lucian could resume his duties.

Looking through the front screen, she contemplated the fact that the Axcian system was still twenty cycles away.

* * *

Lucian awoke. His shoulder ached when he tried to turn, but Jarrynn put a gentle hand on him and told him to rest.

"How's Stadia and how long am I going to be couped up here, Jarrynn?" he asked.

"Stadia's right over here resting. Her injuries as a result of the crash weren't that bad, but we're still trying to determine the other damage from the brain crystals. That's privileged, but I'm telling you because you're her commanding officer."

"Let's hope that's still the case," he said.

"As for you, you've got a way to go, Lucian. I seriously doubt you'll be flying Vipers for a while."


* * *

The Noman looked at his chrono then looked back at Selgin. He'd instructed Selgin to remain in hiding until Drop-Time, which was now in less than six centars. If the time wasn't so close, he knew that he'd probably wrap one of his boles around his henchman's neck and solve that headache permanently.

"Nowhere, understood? Now, any word on your female friend."

"Understood, Sir," Selgin replied. "They said on the comm that both she and the male Warrior were unconscious as a result of their injuries, but it was likely that both would survive."

"Unfortunate, though not an insurmountable problem. After Drop-Time, they'll be dead, and whatever she might be able to tell wouldn't be important at that point anyway."

Selgin said, "I'll miss her in a way."

"Now don't go 'Adrian' on me, Selgin. If you do, you know the consequences," he said with a sneer. "Now, let's go over it again. Hawke arrives at 10:90. Drop-Time commences at 11:00, and by 11:40, it will be mixed and distributing through the system. Beginning of First Shift tomorrow, people should be dropping like Gemen flies!"

* * *

Charybdis

I met with Sheba in her private war room.

"They're making their move," I said.

"I know. I just hope no one gets killed. Now is the time when we all have to be on our toes," she replied. A worried look was on her face.

"I hope this all pays off," I responded.

She looked over at me and said, "It will."

[LucianG]

Stadia

A some time later, Stadia woke up to find this furry little thing laying by the side of her head. Her heart jumped but soon calmed down as the furry little creature stirred and butted its head against her chin. She reached up and petted the head of the furry little creature.

Jarrynn turned to see that Stadia was awake and playing with Furrybdis. She turns and looks at Lucian. Smiles at Lucian as she rises to go and check on Stadia.

“Stadia, nice to see your awake. How do you feel?” she says as she gives Furrybdis a rub on the head. “His name is Furrybdis. He is a handful of fur but he is good for moral.”

Stadia turns and looks at Lucian. “How is Lucian doing?”

Jarrynn turns and looks at him. “He is awake but he was pretty beaten up. His shoulder was dislocated, ribs were bruised up pretty bad, and he has a deep gash just above his eye that required some surgery. Overall, he was pretty lucky. From what Lusitan was telling me, both of you were lucky to get out alive.”

Stadia nodded as she listens to her. “May I go and sit by him?” She just wanted to be close to him.

“ I don’t see why not. Just don’t tire yourself out.” Jarrynn takes the iv off the stand and helps Stadia stand up. Leaning on Jarrynn, they walk over to Lucian’s bed. Jarrynn lowers Stadia to the chair by Lucian’s side. Lucian looks up at her and smiles. She then turns to the iv stand and hooks Stadia’s ivs up. “I will give you some private time with him.”

Stadia looks up at her and smiles. Jarrynn returns to the bed and scoops up Furrybdis. Stadia watches her exit carrying the furball. She turns back to Lucian. She takes his hand into hers as she says, “We have so much to work out. Even though we must part, we have to talk.”

“Lucian. I don’t know what to say. I have felt this attraction since I first came aboard and saw you. It took me a very long time to let you know how I was feeling. When I thought the crystals were going to do me in, I…”

Raises his good hand up to her lips to quiet her. Staring into her emerald eyes, he takes a breath.

* * *

Lucian

“We have so much to work out. Even though we must part, we have to talk,” said Stadia. “Lucian. I don’t know what to say. I have felt this attraction since I first came aboard and saw you. It took me a very long time to let you know how I was feeling. When I thought the crystals were going to do me in, I…”

"Stadia, I'm not very experienced when it comes to affairs of the heart. Being the only child of my generation aboard the O-9 for all those yahrens didn't give me a lot of practice, and my experiences aboard the Galactica after arriving in the fleet didn't help that much. I'm so sorry I've hurt you. I just didn't realize..."

He struggled for the words to continue, saying, "Uhhm...you are a beautiful, wonderful woman, and I feel blessed that you even noticed me. Under other circumstances..." He forced himself to continue looking into her eyes, despite the overwhelming desire to look away, to avoid saying what must be said. "Stadia, you are a great Warrior, a valuable member of our squadron, and a good friend. I would do anything for you," he said, glancing briefly at his left arm, "just like any member of our squadron. I would consider myself honored if we were together, but you know...it cannot be. I care greatly for you, as a fellow Warrior, and as your commanding officer, but I do not love you in that way. I wish I did--wish I could--but it's just not possible now. I'm sorry."

He rubbed at the patch that extended partly over his left eye. Peeling it back up so he could see out of both, he said, "I received your request for a transfer out of Black Squadron, but I put it off until we could talk. You are a Warrior, Stadia, and you deal with difficult situations as a matter of course. I've never known you to run away from a problem. You are also a very valuable member of our squadron. I hope you will understand, will reconsider, and will withdraw your request. Black Squadron needs you."

"Are you two still up?" asked Jarrynn who'd walked back into the area. "Please, both of you, get some rest. And put that patch back down!"

"In a centon, Jarrynn," they said together.

* * *

Stadia

Jarrynn shrugged her shoulders, turned and left the room.

"Lucian the feelings are there. I cant cope with them if I have to see you every day. It is to much for me to cope with. I need space to accept that we will never be together.

I knew it was a fruitless endeavour but ....." She looks down at his wrapped up arm.

After a brief moment, she carefully reached up and pulled the needle out of her arm. she dropped it and carefully stood up. "Stadia, what are you doing?" "I need some space. Please honor my request for a transfer." She walked out of the cubicle and sat in a chair in the main room.

Jarrynn looked up from the desk. Seeing Stadia was upset, she stood to her feet and made her way to her side. She kneeled down..

"Are you ok?"

"No I am not ok!" she pauses a moment,"you have to get me out of here. I can’t stay in the same room with him."

* * *

Jarrynn

Jarrynn sat there and looked at Lt Stadia. She knew she couldn't get her back in that room and the other beds were full. She thought maybe.
"Lt Stadia just wait for me ok? I think I might know where to move you."
Jarrynn went and talked to Holodoc. She smiled at Maggie and the new baby. Then she headed back to where Stadia was and pulled the iv lines and wheeled Stadia into the medical barracks.
"Since you are female I can move you here. Plus someone is in here napping most the time so if you need us we will be here. Is that ok?" Jarrynn hands her a buzzer. "if you need us just buzz. I will be back shortly to check on you."

Jarrynn headed in the room where Lucian was. She dimmed the lights and put on her gear to check his eyes. She put on some soothing cream to ease the burning and speed the healing. Then she put the patch back on.
"Lt Jarrynn, is she ok?"
"Yes Major. I put her in another room as she requested. I thought it best to comply though I do not know what is going on but I am just complying. But how are you feeling Major? Anything you need right now?"

* * *

Stadia

Lucian sighed. He didnt want to lose a good warrior but he knew she would be unhappy if he denied her request. Besides, he had no legimate reason for denying it.

Jarrynn looked at him. She could see that this was tearing him apart.

Meanwhile in the other room...

Stadia rolled over on her side, tears rolling down her face, she stared at the wall.

* * *

Lucian

"Jarrynn, I know you'll probably say I need to rest, but I'm not going to until I do this. I need to speak with the Lieutenant Colonel. Please ask him to stop by when he gets a chance. Also, please have BatGal come by for a few centons. She's temporarily in charge of the squadron and I need to let her know one thing," said Lucian.

Jarrynn stared at him in frustration. Rest was needed and here he was trying to work. "Major, you get two centons with each, and no more, and that's being generous! Now get some rest until they arrive. I'll wake you if you are asleep."

"Thanks, Jarrynn," he said. Trying to relax and rest, he found that the knot in his stomach wouldn't allow it. He kept thinking about what had happened and how he could have avoided it, but try as he might, he couldn't seem to come up with a better way.

He was staring at the ceiling a short time later when BatGal arrived. Jarrynn said, holding a chrono in her hand, "Two centons, starting--NOW."

"Major, how are you?" BatGal asked.

"I'll recover, thank you, but for now, you're in charge. Keep things going with the training, and deal with any new ensigns who are assigned to us. There are a few unfinished items in my in-box on the system. Distribute them among the squadron members so you don't have to do everything yourself. There's one message from Lieutenant Stadia that is to be left alone, though. I'll deal with that one from here."

"Is there something going on?" she asked with a concerned look.

"I didn't handle a situation as well as I should have, and now the squadron may pay the price for that. Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis will probably come by if he's on duty, and I'll try to deal with it through him. If he 'busts' me back to Crewman, take care of the squadron."

"You're teasing, right?" she asked, suddenly smiling.

"I hope so, BatGal. I sure hope so."

Jarrynn was back, shooing her out, instructing Lucian to get some sleep. After BatGal was gone, he tried, but he continued to lie there, feeling sad, alone, and intensely frustrated.

[LucianG]

Charybdis

I had a little bit of time, so I received permission from Sheba to head to Med Lab and check in on something that Major Lucian wanted. He summoned me personally, so I figured that Lucian was serious about something. He was a meticulous Warrior, and he was one of the best we have. I always left him up to his own devices because he took care of everything. Warriors like him were one in a million.

I arrived at Med Lab and Nurse Jarrynn came over to me. "He's in there. But I'm allowing only 2 centons with him," she said. I raised my eyebrows at her and she quickly added, "Sir."

I walked in to Lucian's room. He was lying on the bed resting, I have to say, he looked like felgercarb. I had heard and read the reports about the incident, but didn't realize he had taken so many injuries; but I guess that's what happens when you smash a shuttle into the landing bay wall.

"Colonel, Jarrynn's not going to give us long, so I need to tell you this. Lieutenant BatGal has temporarily assumed command of the squadron, and has everything under control. There is one issue, however, that I removed from her to-do list, since I wanted to discuss it with you personally. A rather personal situation has come between one of my Squadron members and myself. I hate to bother you with this; in fact, ordinarily, I'd probably have talked this over with Brie first, but since she's gone..."

I looked down at the floor when he said this. No one wanted to be reminded of what had happened. "NO, Major, it's alright. If it's squadron business, then it's my business too. What is it?"

Lucian continued, "Since I did not handle the issue as well as I should have, it is my responsibility to correct.. Lieutenant Stadia and I have had a personal disagreement that may affect our working relationship. I have tried to smooth it out to our mutual satisfaction, with a complete lack of success. At this point, as much as I dislike doing it and while I don't endorse Lieutenant Stadia's request or reasoning, I must honor her request to transfer her from Black Squadron to Gold Squadron."

I must admit, this took me by a slight surprise. Wasn't it Lucian who had just saved Lt. Stadia? I wondered what this was about but Lucian seemed to be having some difficulty with it and he was not one to get disturbed too easily, so I decided to play it close to the vest and ask the basic question, "What is the official reason for the transfer request and approval on your behalf?"

"Colonel, I'd appreciate it if you'd just mark the transfer form something like 'Personal preference' and 'APPROVED,' Sir."

The last thing we needed were more problems in the ranks, so I saw it as a no-brainer. "Alright, Major. I'll notify Capt. Cain and pass it on to him. I think you can rest easy about it. If this is really want you want and Lt. Stadia."

I knew he didn't want it, but officially he had to. He nodded and assented, "Yes, sir. It has to be this way."

I nodded back and said, "Alright, take care of yourself. And don't let Jarrynn get on you too much. We need you back in front soon. And don't worry, BatGal will take good care of the squadron for you. I'll make sure!" He gave a quick smile and laid his head back on the pillow.

At that moment, Nurse Jarrynn came in and started to say something, no doubt about my 2 centons being up. "I'm going, Nurse Jarrynn, I'm going. Take care of him, will you? We need him back as soon as possible."

I left quickly and headed back to the bridge to notify Cain and approve the paperwork.

* * *

Stadia

Stadia couldnt rest. Her mind was racing. Thoughts of everything crowding her mind.

She hears a noise and turns to see its the baby. She looks at the mother noticing she is asleep, Stadia carefully climbs out of her bed. She moves so she can stand next to the baby.

She reaches her hand down to rest it upon the babys stomach. He stops his fussing and turns his head toward her. His little hands playfully swat at Stadia's big hand. Stadia moves her hand so she is offering him a finger. The baby wraps his tiny fingers around her finger. He squeezes with all his might.

Stadia looks at him and thinks, what a wonderfully uncomplicated life you have little one. No one telling you who you can love. No code of conduct personal or otherwise...

Stadia carefully picks up the baby making sure to support his head. She sits down in the chair.

____________________________________________________________

Col. Carybdis enter the bridge and looked around. Life was hectic. They didnt know how to solve the water problem, trouble between two warriors and viper pilot still out in space. He entered his office and looked thru the paperwork for Stadias transfer.

Finding it, he reads thru it. He approves it only he is not sure this is the right approach to solving the problem.

* * *

Stadia looks at him and thinks, what a wonderfully uncomplicated life you have little one. No one telling you who you can love. No code of conduct personal or otherwise...

Stadia carefully picks up the baby making sure to support his head. She sits down in the chair.

_______________________________________________________


"Oh little one. What a life you will have. You will get to grow up and travel to different stars and see different people. You will know so much happiness....", lets the thought trail off.

Stadia starts singing..."Hush little baby dont say a word. Momma is going to buy you a mackingbird. And if that mockingbird dont sing momma is going to buy you a diamond ring..."

Jarrynn steps just inside the door and stops. She looks up to see Stadia holding the baby. She smiles as she hers her voice wafting thru the room. She notices that the baby has fallen asleep in Stadia's lap.

* * *

Holodoc

Holodoc made sure that Maggie was settled in there in MedLab & that she was comfortable as she could be considering the hard labor she just went through to deliver her new born son. She also wanted to make sure the baby was not going to be having any health problems due to the fact that Maggie had not been in MedLab for the delivery & that she had stopped breathing for a few centons during the delivery.

Once she had run the needed tests on the baby, Holodoc carefully placed him back into Maggie's awaiting arms. "Maggie," Holodoc says, "I want you to rest now. I will let Eve & the other ladies know how you are doing & when it will be all right to visit you & your baby. I don't want you over doing it any." Maggie nodded & thanked Holodoc for all of her help during the delivery of her baby. Holding her new born son close to her, Maggie drift off to sleep. Holodoc stood there for a centon or two longer watching both Maggie & the baby. She then quietly existed the private cubical & went over to her desk to make up a file on Maggie & her baby.

A very tired Holodoc sat down at her desk & started working on the file about Maggie & her new baby. She knew that once she had the needed medical file done on Maggie & baby, Holodoc would need to send a message up to Lt Colonel Charybdis & Cmdr Sheba, but right now she couldn't think about that, for she needed to get other things done while she had them on her mind.

[LucianG]

JustinB

Unable to sleep, JustinB made his back to the Med-Lab. He thought he would check on Maggie and her baby son. As he entered, he saw Holodoc nodding off at her desk. He went over and softly tapped her on the shoulder. As she slowly opened her eyes, JustinB said, "Not a very comfortable place sleep." "I cannot believe I just did that. I am just so worn out, but so is Jarrynn. It was good though, to have a happy ending after our bad run of unhappy endings." Holodoc said sleepishly, "and by the way, I never got to say what a good job you did today. You should be proud of yourself."

As they talked, Maggie's son started crying. "I better check on him. Wait here and I will be back in a few centons." Holodoc said. She picked up the babys file and disappeared into the private cubical. He sat down at her desk and relaxed.

* * *

Lt. Stadia walked out of the cubicle and sat in a chair in the main room. This surprised JustinB as he thought both Stadia and Major Lucian were asleep.

Lt Jarrynn then had a few words with Holodoc. While Stadia was being placed in another cubicle, Holodoc walked up to him. "Sorry to do this to you JustinB, but things have just got a bit busy. I will let Maggie know that you came to see her and the baby, ok." "No problems Holodoc," JustinB said as he got off the chair and then headed out the door.

Still not tired enough to sleep he went to the Beta Launch Bay, hoping the walk would tire him out so he could sleep. As he ran his hand down a viper, he hoped that when it was his turn to die, it would be in combat. He just sat there in deep thought.

* * *

Holodoc

Holodoc watched JustinB leave MedLab & she felt bad for having to ask him to leave only centons after arriving to visit with Maggie & her baby some. She hoped that she could make it up to him somehow. The question now was how to make it up to JustinB. He had been a big help during the time she was checking up on the Frodian ladies & children & then during the delivery of Maggie's baby. He was even able to get some added assistance from Rose. She did a good job also in helping out. Holodoc knew that both of them were not trained to do what they did during the delivery but they did good in following the instructions she had given them to follow.

Holodoc thought that maybe she should mention to Major Lucian about how good of a job that JustinB & Rose had done, but she knew that Lucian was in need of some rest at the moment & she wasn't about to disrupt his sleep. Holodoc went over to her desk & wrote out a short message letting Major Lucian know all that JustinB & Rose had done earlier in helping out when she went to check on the Frodian ladies & children. Once she had the note written, Holodoc walked over to where Lucian was sleeping & quietly walked into his cubicle & placed the note beside his bed on the small table. While she was there, Holodoc carefully checked Lucian's vitals so as not to disrupt his sleep.

* * *

Stadia

Holodoc turned and left Lucian to rest. She stepped out of the cubicle and paused a moment hearing what sounded like someone singing. She strained her ears to find the source.

It sounded like it was Lt. Stadia. She headed to check on her and Maggie and the baby. She tapped Jarrynn on the shoulder to let her know she was there.

Jarrynn turned and smiled.

"If that diamond ring dont shine then momma's going to buy you a looking glass. If that looking glass doesnt look then momma is going to ....", Stadia starts humming to the baby.

Jarrynn turns to Holodoc and motions for her to follow. Holodoc turns and follows.

"Holodoc, She hasnt opened up about anything that has happened. I am concerned aobut her emotional well being."

* * *

Stadia eyes Jarrynn and Holodoc standing just out the door. She kept singing as she waited for them to go back to their offices. She looked at the baby.

She carefully stood up and laid the baby back in his bed. she then turned toward her bed. Grabbing the needle in her arm she pulled it out and grabbed her robe. She slips it over her shoulder, tying the the band around her securely and sneaks out of the room. She carefully makes her way past Jarrynn and HOlodoc.She smiles as she slips out the door.

Stadia walks down the corridor towards the O-club.

* * *

Lucian

Second Shift was just beginning. Gosshen slipped up beside Hawke as he was walking down the corridor. "Excuse us, Sergeant Winnie, I need to talk to your buddy here for a centon," said Gosshen.

Winnie made a disagreeable face at Gosshen and walked off, wondering why Hawke would get along with him.

"Tonight. Be there."

* * *

Hawke

I looked at Gosshen. "Where and when? And do I have to bring anything?" I asked.

* * *

Lucian

"Felgercarb! Too much Wype, I see. Okay, be at Compartment Theta-8 in the Number 2 Engine area at 10:85. I'll meet you there to take you to the meeting point. Come alone, of course. Bring your laser pistol, and a spare if you can get one, and some food packets. We never meet the Boss without bringing him food, ha ha! Anyway, that'll end after tonight after we do the big Drop. Then, he'll have the run of the ship and be able to eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants."

"The Drop?" Hawke questioned. "What's that?"

"Just a minor pest control issue. We're getting rid of some 'parasites' the Callisto has collected over the past few yahrens. When they're gone, we'll control this sh--quiet, I'm saying too much. I'm so fracking excited that I can't stand it! See you at 10:85, man. Fun starts shortly after that."

* * *

A few centons later, Hawke checked his messages, and sent a very brief message of his own.

* * *

Charybdis

Core Command would like to announce that Ensigns Phoebe and Phlandor have been commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant in the Colonial Military. Congratulations!

Also, we wish to welcome Ensign Nefeteri, who has joined the Colonial Military. She has been assigned aboard the Battlestar Callisto and will serve under Maj. Brie in Gold squadron.

Congratulations to all!!

<chorus of congratulations and welcomes!>

* * *

Nefeteri
Ensign Nefeteri walked the long run to the command deck. She was in search of Charybdis. He was the Lt. Colonial who had assigned her to report to Brie. Unfortunately, she found out upon arrival that Brie was deceased. She was a good warrior pilot but she did need to know who she would be under. She swung her long locks of red hair in consternation. It was the first day out and already she seemed to be in trouble. Hopefully, Lt. Col. Charybdis could tell her where to go andn soon.
* * *
Lucian
Ensign Nefeteri had been on the Callisto for a while, but like all the Cadets in training, had been limited to the Training Academy area, and had not learned her way around the ship. Now, she was hauling her duffel bag, trying to find her commanding officer, who it seemed, was dead. Seeing a couple of Tech's walking down the corridor toward her, she asked, "Excuse me, I'm supposed to report to Gold Squadron HQ, but I'm not sure where--"

"Ensign, that happens pretty often. It's over toward Alpha Bay. I'm heading in that general direction. I'll show you."

A few centons later, she was shown into the Gold Squadron office where Major Cain was speaking into three different comm units trying to coordinate Warriors for some action in the engine compartment of all places! He obviously was too busy to be concerned about her so she placed her bag on a seat, and spied the bunk & locker assignment sheets on the bulletin board. There was a writing pen hanging there, and a number of empty spaces....

[LucianG]

Stadia
A few centons later, she was shown into the Gold Squadron office where Major Cain was speaking into three different comm units trying to coordinate Warriors for some action in the engine compartment of all places! He obviously was too busy to be concerned about her so she placed her bag on a seat, and spied the bunk & locker assignment sheets on the bulletin board. There was a writing pen hanging there, and a number of empty spaces....

Stadia tightens the tie around her waist before she enters Gold Squadron offices. She sees a new recruit looking at the bunk and locker assignments. She turns to Major Cain and sees that he is busy.

She turns to the new recruit and introduces herself."Hi I am Lt. Stadia. Welcome to Gold Squadron." Stadia raises her hand.

" Ensign Nefeteri. I just arrived." takes Stadia's hand and shakes it.

"I must be going. Due back in medlab. Nice meeting you."

Stadia walks out the door and heads to Black Squadron barracks. She enters and walks upto her locker. She opens it and pulls out her workout clothes and heads for the workout room.
* * *
Charybdis
I couldn't believe it! I looked again at the monitor and there it was in plain green lettering: Ensign Nefeteri will serve under Maj. Brie in Gold squadron.

How had I made such a stupid error? What was I thinking?

All of this was getting to me. I hoped that it would soon end. With the upcoming mission, we would finally, hopefully, put it all behind us.
* * *

Nefeteri

"Teri" as Ensign Nefeteri liked to be called was outfitted in workout clothes but now she was lost again. She had flown over from another part of the ragtag fleet and was totally unaccustomed to this huge battlestar. Her training as a cadet had gone well but she was sad when she learned that her commander to be, Commander Brie had been lost to her. Brie was well known as a great commander to the cadets and she felt fortunate to be in this particular squadron.
Teri shoved her duffle into the locker, claimed a bunk and headed out the door to the workout area. Finding it was another story. Headiing out she saw a new familiar face, Lucien.
"Help again, sir" she smiled. The petite redhead gleamed at smile at them and hopefully they would answer. Soon, she prayed to the Lord of Kobol, she would know her way around. Time now to make more friends.

* * *

Stadia

Stadia slips back into med bay. She notes that it isnt easy since everyone is scurrying about. She wonders what is going on. Major Cain was talking to someone about a battle that was going on and now medbay staff.

Stadia slips into the cubicle where Lucian is. She stares down at his finely chiseled face. She whispers, "Lucian,hen will you allow yourself to love?" She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. She turned to leave and ran into Jarrynn.

"And what have we been upto?" she asks staring at me with her arms crossed in front of her.

"I just went for a walk. I am getting tired of being in medbay." I said as I tried to act all innocent like.

Jarrynn didnt buy that excuse. "Sure you were. Now right back into bed. If you pull another stunt like this I will restrain you."

Stadia marches back into her bed and sits on the edge fuming.

* * *

Nefeteri

Teri was ticked that everyone around her was scurrying around and she seemed only to have the workout to keep her mind off the war. She had heard that Cain was now in medbay so she quickly changed back into her colonial warriors uniform and slipped into the door at medbay. She would not bother Cain as he spoke to the wounded but rather meet him and then tell him that she had been placed in his squadron. Over to the side she saw another female fuming at something. Teri dared to come closer just to say hello.
"Hi, I'm Ensign Nefeteri, assigned to Major Cain's command. Is there anything that I can get you?"

* * *

Lucian

There was a special vid showing in several locations around the ship beginning at 10:00. Like many of the vid features produced in the fleet in the last 23.5 yahrens, real actors and actresses acted in front of blue screens and all but the most general props and scenery consisted of superimposed computer graphic images. There was usually one vid per week, with additional productions showing on the intership comm channels. Due to the great sadness aboard the ship, Sheba had accepted Charybdis' request to have a special showing to take people's minds off the loss. The feature of the evening was a love story of traumatic, or perhaps melodramatic, twists and turns, but according to those who had seen it previously, it had a very happy ending.

Nat had his arm around Kris, who was leaning against him, in the makeshift viewing room. He was glad to have another peaceful evening with her, despite the sadness that lingered. He counted his blessings that she was safe. Leaning over, he kissed her gently on top of her head.

MaraJade and Skyler were next to them. Mara wiped another tear from her eyes, thinking more about the loss of her friends than about the silly movie. Skyler gave her a gentle squeeze, feeling much the same way as her. He looked at his chrono in the darkness. The feature would be over just after 11:00. He was having trouble concentrating on the vid--

The portable comm vibrated, informing him of an incoming text message from...Commander Sheba. "Squadron business, Mara. I'm going to check with Cain. I'll see you shortly...unless you want to come, too."

* * *

Proteus was flipping through the images from the hidden monitors, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary. Urdea stopped him occasionally, but so far there was nothing of real interest. If he'd been able, Urdea would have placed a hidden microphone on Hawke and the other three suspects, but he'd been afraid of them being discovered and the entire investigation being wrecked.

"Look! There are Gosshen and Skaaran. Felgercarb! Lost them again."

"Extrapolate their direction. Let's discover where they're going."

It was 10:75.

* * *

Kris

I felt Lt Nat's kiss on my head. It made me smile and snuggle into him more. With all that happened lately I found myself thanking the Lords of Kobol for Nat being in my life. Then I saw Mara get up and leave with Skyler. I started to giggle.
"Ok gigglebox what got you going?" Nat smiled as he whispered in my ear.
"I wonder if Mara and Skyler are heading to a closet again?"
"What do you mean Kris?"
"Well Mara told me that when that riot happened they were looking for Najinn but had to hide because someone was coming and so they hid in a closet and well they started to make out." My giggles started to go to a full fledge laugh and Nat was too. Then he held me closer and tried to hush us both back to a giggle.
"They didn't?! How did you find out?"
"Mara told me. She said she felt so in love all over again. That it was great to have that time with Skyler since lately they haven't had much time."
"Aren't they supposed to get sealed?"
"Yeah last I heard they were still planning on it. But still that just makes me crack up!"
"Sorry that I don't go dragging you in closets." Nat teased.
"Don't be Nat. I enjoy the time we have. Plus I bet she doesn't know what its like to wake up in your arms like I did after the party. Then helping out in the training room with you that was fun. ::sighs:: I wish I could do that more often."

[LucianG]

Lucian

Hawke arrived in compartment II-Theta-8 a couple of centons early, and did a quick look around the compartment. He’d quickly studied the room in the schematics, but he had been surprised to see that it had limited access. There were a single entrance and two ducts of adequate size, but nothing else. Looking around, he saw that the computer diagram had been correct. Growing apprehensive that it could be a trap, he slipped his laser pistol from its holster and checked the charge and level setting. He’d spent some time making friends with these guys and being accepted into their organization, and he didn’t want to mess that up now. Sliding it back into place, he stepped to the side of the room near some pipes that could offer some degree of cover in the event of an ambush.

The door opened and Gosshen and Skaaran stepped into the room. “Hawke! Good you could make it,” Gosshen said with a grin. “Remember everything you see tonight, since the Boss will be pretty ticked if someone has to show you again. We’ve been pretty short-handed, though that is about to change. You ready?”

“Yeah, let’s do it,” Hawke replied, feeling slightly more at ease with his companions.

Gosshen walked over to a panel, opened the door, and threw two switches, allowing Hawke to get a good view. Then, he moved over about two meters, and pulled a hidden lever. The far control panel suddenly swung away from the wall, revealing a hidden passage. “Well, let’s go. It’s pretty easy from here, and the way the controls work, no one will ever find it unless they check the entire control system in this area.”

Hawke walked into the small opening, and watched as the panel closed in behind them.

* * *

A few centons later, Captain Urdea and Lieutenant Proteus arrived in Compartment II-Theta 8. There was no sign of Gosshen or Skaaran. After a brief and very silent search, Urdea lowered the lights, and Proteus began to throw a photo-light over the floor. Finding nothing, Proteus shook his head silently. Urdea waved and they exited the room in frustration.

* * *

It had been a strange request, but it had come from the Lieutenant Colonel, so Captain Hector had complied. He’d had Sergeant Brinfort search the database and find two troopers of the size and build that Colonel Charybdis had requested. They’d been dispatched to his quarters with full body armor “in tow” as requested for a “top secret” mission. Hector had almost laughed at that, since it seemed that nothing remained secret on the Callisto for very long, but he’d taken the time to impress on both of the chosen troopers that they were to speak to no one about what they were about to do unless given explicit permission to do so by Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis or Commander Sheba.

He watched as they walked out of the Infantry briefing area with their large bags in tow. He wondered why the Colonel would want Troopers of those particular sizes. Shaking his head, he headed to the O-Club for "dinner," if it could be called that.

* * *

A bit earlier…

The vid had just started when JustinB came in and started whispering to several of the Black Squadron Warriors. As Skyler was exiting the room, he saw several other people heading toward the exit as well. Checking the message again, he wondered what was happening. Seeing several Gold Squadron Warriors, including MaraJade, in addition to the Black Squadron Warriors JustinB had spoken with, it seemed they were all now going to a different party.

* * *

About 45 centons later, Captain Skyler reported to Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis’ quarters as commanded, with three of his Warriors with him. All four were dressed in full body armor, with helmets and face shields. Major Cain was sending two or three more as soon as they could dress.

Skyler was surprised to see two Colonial Infantry troopers already in the room with Charybdis. All three were dressed in a similar manner, and the troopers had their face shields lowered and darkened, as if they were going into a real firefight. The Colonel didn’t introduce them, so Skyler didn’t bother asking. Joint exercises were sometimes like that, and he’d discovered long ago that many things in the Colonial military were on a need to know basis. When you needed, you knew, and not before.

* * *

JustinB

JustinB was about to sit down and have something to eat, when Lt BatGal paged him to attend the Black Squadron office A.S.A.P. Upon arrival at 10:00, he received a quick briefing and orders. He needed to find at least five Black Squadron officers. He made his way to where the vid was being shown. Sure enough, there was Rose, Anubis, RaycerX, Nylah and Kris. He then approached them and whispered to each one so nobody else could here, "I need you to get into your Heavy Assault Gear and be at Lt Colonel Charybdis's quarters, no later than 10:35." With that, it was 10:06 by the time they left the show.

JustinB ran with his fellow officers to get changed. The adrenaline was pumping through his veins. He had a brief idea what he was kitting up to do. Seeing that a few were taking their time, he reminded them it would be embarrassing if Gold Squadron beat them to the Lt Colonel's Quarters. This gave them added incentive and responded as such.

They made it Charybdis's quarters at 10:35, but Gold Squadron was already there. The briefing then commenced.

* * *

Lucian

Within 5 centons of Skyler’s arrival, Lieutenant Justin B reported with a contingent of four other Black Squadron Warriors as well. When he’d received the call from BatGal, he’d had to scramble to find enough, but within centons, he’d located Rose, Anubis, RaycerX, Nylah, and Kris. BatGal was trying to round up at least one additional volunteer as well.

JustinB’s group was dressed the same as the others. The room was now very crowded, but the Colonel had said the briefing would only take a few centons, so they’d all just have to deal with it.

Soon, several more Warriors arrived. The briefing took only a few moments. Diagrams were distributed, and everyone was split into groups of two as they moved toward the door. If anyone asked, it was a joint training exercise. With face shields lowered and darkened, they were on their way to their assigned locations. It was just after 10:60.

* * *

JustinB

The briefing didn't take long. Both Skyler and JustinB had time to conduct smaller briefings, within their groups. JustinB ran through the diagrams again. "Even though we go in together as 'Team Alpha', I have decided to pair you up. You are to look out for your partner in case he or she gets into a situation. The pairs are Anubis with RaycerX and Nylah with Kris. Rose you stay on my six. Lt BatGal will try and round up some more volunteers. Gold Squadron is 'Team Beta'. Any questions?" They all shook their, knowing what each of their jobs were. "Then May the Lords of Kobol keep you safe"

By the time they left, it was 10:60. At approximately 11:00 Charybdis got a message, "Captain Urdea to Colonel Charybdis, come in, Sir." JustinB couldn't hear what was being said, so as soon as Charybdis motioned the way forward, Alpha and Beta teams followed him and the three security officers.

AS soon as they entered a compartment next to II-Theta 8, all hell broke loose.

****

Looking for another volunteer, Lt BatGal passed by the Med-Lab. She quickly ran in an informed Holodoc, that the Med-Lab might be needed in next centar or so. Holodoc realising that BatGal was giving her an unofficial warning, nodded without asking any questions. Holodoc then started to get as many of her staff ready for any upturn in business.

* * *

Lucian

Just before 11:00, Urdea and Proteus exited compartment II-Theta 8. They quickly searched three other neighboring compartments, but found nothing, so they located a nearby computer console, accessed it, and brought up the diagram. There was no way that Gosshen and Skaaran could have entered it and escaped….

“Unless there’s something that doesn’t appear on these plans,” said Urdea. “Bring up the area, large scale. What are all the areas around this compartment, around, above, and below?”

Lieutenant Proteus did so, and then looked at Urdea, saying, “Bingo! Here’s an interstitial space that is seemingly not connected to anything else; however, it you figure an access somewhere around here, look at this!”

From that space, the highlight suddenly connected a number of other nearby compartments, IF one assumed a secret access at each of them as well. Proteus quickly overlaid the previously developed diagrams, and pointed. “Sir, I’d bet my last cubit on that area right there.”

“I’d bet you’d win,” said Urdea with a smile. “Good job, Lieutenant. Captain Urdea to Colonel Charybdis, come in, Sir.”

* * *

In a nearby hidden compartment, the Noman’s band had assembled. He’d welcomed Hawke, Gosshen, and Skarran with as warm a welcome as a Noman was likely to give, wearing what almost appeared to be a smile. After Selgin had run a monitor over all three, declaring them clean, the Noman had motioned to Hawke to come with him, and had ordered the others to proceed as planned. He led Hawke through a secret door into a neighboring compartment.

“Hawke, this is how we are going to steal the Battlestar Callisto,” he said, pointing to several large water pipes. “See that line, right up there? That tap line is connected to several tanks a couple of compartments away. When we release all the valves, the chemical in those tanks, which are under pressure, is going to pour into those lines. Over the past few months, with the help of a couple of disgruntled Techs, we’ve succeeded in taking over the water distribution system. As of now, we’ve locked those flunkies over in Ship Engineering out, and we control it all. We’ve already isolated much of the water supply, so we’re now going to introduce our agent into what’s being used. Pretty soon, these Colonials will be dropping dead all over the ship.”

“Do you have an antidote, in case, say, any of us accidentally ingest some of this stuff?” Hawke asked.

“Of course, but not enough to clear the water in these pipes. Hawke, we’re using brain crystals. In diluted form, it’s usually lethal, unless it’s administered by an idiot, but the beauty of it is that the chemical will take care of that itself within a sectar, breaking down into some organic and mineral components that pass right through the digestive system without harm. See that gauge? They’ve already started it. The mixing process is underway, and within a few centons, it will be distributed all over the ship.”

It sounded like a series of dull reports from the adjacent compartment. As Hawke turned to look at the Noman, he asked, “What the heck is that? They’re going to attract everybody on the ship!”

The Noman had an older model laser blaster drawn, pointed toward the secret passage. “Mr. Hawke, that’s not part of our show. That idiot Selgin must have led them to us with all of his antics. Quickly, join our fellows. Hold them off while I try to speed the process.”

Hawke was about to object, but saw that the laser pistol was now pointed at him.

* * *

The three rogue security officers were well armed, and they were not shooting to wound or stun. In addition, they knew the compartment well, including the hiding places, and they had cover.

"Take cover!" Charybdis shouted as he dived to the sidewall, just missing a blast that would have probably killed him. "Covering fire! Alpha team, advance!"

Shots rang out, and three Warriors leaped forward to new positions, barely avoiding the return fire.

[LucianG]

JustinB

The shootout was the most fierce anyone had seen in a long time. All the warriors could see was masked people trying to kill them. Rose poked her head around the corner, when she saw him. "Oh my god!" She whispered to JustinB, "I cannot believe it, Hawke is among the people we are fighting." Seeing she was about to lose her nerve, JustinB said,"keep it out of your mind, I am sure there is a reasonable explanation.

Charybdis then yelled for Alpha team to advance. As JustinB was ahead of the rest of his team, he and Rose laid down covering fire. Three Warriors leaped forward to new positions, barely avoiding the return fire. Unfortunately for RaycerX, he was stuck on the side of the leg. Anubis crawled back to him to drag him out of the line of fire. "RaycerX, are you alright?" He asked. "Yeh, I'm okay. Luckily for this heavy armour I am wearing, absorbed most of the energy," came the reply.

The shootout went on. It covered numerous compartments. Kris and Nylah were working well as a team. Kris aimed at one of the aggressors and fired. Gosshen toppled over as he was hit in the chest. The Black Squadron Officers worked well. JustinB would make sure Major Lucian knew how well they performed. But for the moment he had more important things on his mind. He hoped that Gold Squadron was having just as much luck. He prayed under his breath for no Gold Squadron member to be hit or killed. They couldn't take any more bad news.

* * *

Lucian

In the Noman's left hand was a small box with a control pad. When he saw Hawke glance at it, he said, "This is what they want. It controls the entire system. We must stop them from getting it at all costs. Go!"

"Going," said Hawke as he pulled his laser pistol. He moved toward the entrance. As he glanced back he saw the Noman's pistol leveled at his back....

* * *

Hawke stood in the open door between the compartments, seeing the fighting begin next door. The rogue security officers had donned hoods, possibly to hide their identities in case their scheme failed, probably in hopes they could slip back into the ship's complement unnoticed. Hawke saw the heavily armed and armored Warriors advancing, but most of all, he saw an angry Noman with a weapon pointed at his back. The Noman's face was crimson with blood. He'd allowed himself to rise in anger, to let the hatred infect him. Hawke knew there would be no escape; instead, there would be only death or death, his or the Noman's. There could be no middle ground.

"You did this, Hawke! You led them here, you and that idiot Selgin. Between the two of you, you have put my plan in danger. Well, no more."

Hawke threw himself forward in the instant the Noman tightened his grip on the trigger of the old laser pistol. The blast burned past his back, narrowly missing him, but as it did, his laser pistol was knocked from his grasp and went skidding across the floor until it sailed off an edge down an open pipe chase. The Noman cursed his aim and Hawke equally, but pulled the traditional weapon of his race, and let it fly. Seeing that several Warriors had entered the room and that the firing was increasing, Hawke had no choice but to leap across the space and dive down the pipe chase after his pistol. The explosion from the lase bole threw him heavily against the pipes and he slid down to the next level, searching frantically for his missing weapon. He'd just reached bottom and still seen no sign of his laser pistol when he remembered the backup weapon he'd brought along for the evening. He grabbed over his shoulder and felt the handle of the stunner he'd taped between his shoulder blades. He ripped it free and aimed upward, just as he saw the Noman sliding down the pipes, releasing another laser bole in his direction!

* * *

In the upper room, Gosshen had just fallen over from a direct hit to his chest. Skarran and Selgin continued to fire from their hidden positions, keeping the Warriors effectively pinned. Gosshen raised his arm with the last strength in his body and fired again and again, but three Warriors returned fire, killing him instantly.

"You think you're so smart, Warriors?" shouted Selgin. "We'll see in the morning, when you're all dead!" He ducked through another opening, leaving Skarran to face the oncoming Warriors alone.

* * *

Anubis

Seeing that his teammate is more or less alright, he says, "Cover me. I should be able to surprise them, even with an assault suit on." With that, he lets fly with a triple-shot, intending only to keep people's heads down as he quickly moves to a different position. Marginally better than the one he was in originally, the next time someone made a move, it would lead them straight to Captain Ureda's office. Movement. He fires what he hopes to be a disabling shot, unable to force himself to kill a human for any reason. But hammered into him by his life-long training, he knows the points to hit to render a body ineffective or immobile.

* * *

Lucian

Hawke had to fling himself to the side, rolling as he hit to avoid the bole that zipped just past him. In doing so, he was barely able to maintain his grip on the stunner, but he was now well out of range. Hawke ducked behind a group of pipes, searching for a way of closing the gap on the Noman without being cut in half in the process.

* * *

Skarran didn't have a chance. With Selgin's exit, he now had no covering fire, and within microns, several shots hit him from the various teams, dropping him to the deck in a smoking mass. Charybdis ordered Gamma Team forward through the next opening as Beta covered with several shots. Alpha slipped through next as Gamma provided covering fire.

Selgin was now trapped. He raised his hand and fired over a horizontal pipe, but couldn't escape. He suddenly shouted, "I give up. I'll tell you everything! Stop firing! Please! I surrender! Here's my weapon!" He threw the pistol to the floor, where it skidded across the deck toward the Warriors. As it slid toward them, a couple of Warriors saw a flashing red light on the side of the laser pistol...

* * *

The noise from above indicated that the fight was continuing. Hawke heard shouting, including Selgin's voice, but he couldn't quite catch what was being said. Quietly, he crawled to an adjacent location, trying to remain hidden from the Noman who was standing on a pipe bracket about 1.5 meters above the deck, searching the room.

Hawke made a move, and in a blur, the Noman pulled his laser pistol and began firing since there was too much interference for his laser bole.

The Noman grinned in his way. He now knew Hawke's location. It was a matter of time.

Hawke heard another shout from Selgin. He made out "surrender" but nothing else. Knowing that the end was near, he steeled himself to make an all out rush toward the Noman. He threw a pen a couple of meters to his left, then threw himself over the pipe toward the Noman. Rushing forward, he expected to be hit at any time; however, to his surprise, the Noman was no longer in sight!

* * *

Rose

Lt Rose was doing all she could to fire her weapon at those she needed to as well as give cover to JustinB and the rest those within the Squadron that were there going up against the renegade security officers. While she was trying to stay out of the line of fire herself, Rose continued to do what she could in taking out some of the renegades.

Rose noticed movement out of the corner of her eye and turned that way so that she could get a better angle on the person that was moving nearby. "JustinB," Rose says low enough to where he could only hear it, "I've spotted someone off over to the side there." Just as she finished talking, Rose noticed that the unknown person had fired their weapon and it was coming right towards her. Rose fired her blaster a couple of times, but the shots she had fired didn't take out the person she was firing at, before she was knocked back onto the ground by the shot that was coming her way. "JustinB!," Rose yells out, "I've been hit."

* * *

JustinB

'Rose was a good warrior' JustinB thought to himself. Even seeing Hawke with the renegades, she had kept her composure.
Moving from cover to cover, firing at the renegades, Rose and JustinB worked as one.

Just as he was about to move Rose whispered "JustinB, I've spotted someone off over to the side there." Just as she finished talking, the unknown person fired upon Rose. She tried to fire back and in doing so exposed the top half of her body. Almost straight away she was hit and yelled "JustinB, "I've been hit." Straight away he pulls her from harms way. He takes her place and fires at the attacker. He scored a leg shot, but gets distracted by her groaning. When he looks back to where the attacker should be, he is gone.

He sees that she has been hit in the chest plate of the armour. A black scorch mark shows it could be serious. "Rose, you're out of the game. I will get RaycerX to escort you to the Med-Lab." Standing up slowly she says "JustinB you were given the choice to stay or be taken back to the Callisto when your canopy cracked on your viper in the asteroid field. I ask that you give me the same choice. I need to be there when and if Hawke is apprehended." Begrudgingly he agreed, "the moment you fall behind you are going to the Med-Lab." With that they carried on.

Alpha team advanced ahead as Gamma team laid down covering fire. As they entered the next compartment, they saw they had someone trapped.

The renegade raised his hand, but as he did he fired into a horizontal pipe. Justin was about to order the renegade to surrender when he heard ""I give up. I'll tell you everything! Stop firing! Please! I surrender! Here's my weapon!" The pistol skidded across the floor and stopped just in front of JustinB.

Lt Anubis saw the flashing red light on the side of the laser pistol, "Take cover, he has set the pistol to overload." JustinB kept aim on the renegade, "Anubis, do you think you can disarm it? Because if you cannot we are all dead due to the flammable gas coming out of that pipe."Yes, I can disarm it" Anubis said with confidence.

"Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis, this is Alpha leader. We have a renegade cornered. Will attempt to take him alive. We have a slight problem though." "Alpha leader this is Charybdis, Taking the renegade alive is imperative. What is the nature of your problem?" Still keeping aim he replied, "We have a laser pistol about to overload and we have a flammable gas leak nearby. Half of my team will stay put and the rest I will send to take cover, Alpha Team leader out.” To his team he said, "Anubis, Rose and myself will stay put, Kris you take RaycerX and Nylah to saftey. Be ready to move on a moments notice. Lets do it."

[LucianG]

Kris

I grabbed Nylah and motioned for RacerX to follow along. We headed down the cooridor till we got to some crates. We ducked behind them and waited for further orders.

I leaned on the box. My heart was pounding. Killign Cylons was one thing. They didn't have a name, a face or a soul. These were people, with faces and names and souls. I knew that it was our job and I hoped that it wasn't my shot that killed that man but if it was... I took a deep breath. I had to shake these thoughts.
(Oh Nat where are you when I need you to help me?) I cried in my mind. What about Jarrynn and the Major and the others in the medlab? How protected were they? And Gold where were they? Mara? Skyler? I had heard that Rose was hit and I hoped she was ok. I didn't want to lose anyone else to these scumbags. But was Hawke doing with them? That part puzzled me. I closed my eyes as I tightened my grip on my blaster. I took long deep breaths,trying to calm my ever beating heart down. I just prayed that this scuffle would end and with out too much loss of life.

* * *

Anubis

Anubis picks up the weapon and immediatly begins working on disarming it. With the last movement, he holds it to the prisoner and ejects the e-clip. Having been trained for as long as he has, not only has the fammilliarity with the weapon been drilled into him, but he was able to see the schematic for this model in his head. He steps forward to take this man as a prisoer as soon as the e-clip hits the floor, and not exactly slowly.

* * *

Lucian

Hawke looked around frantically. The Noman had disappeared in veritable blink of an eye. Finally spotting the stunner nearby, he dived forward, grabbed, and rolled sideways to what he hoped would be cover, all the while fully expecting to be cut in half with one of those evil sounding laser boles. Coming up, he swung the stunner around, hoping to get in one good shot before the Noman had his say. Searching, he was surprised to see nothing. The Noman had indeed gone.

Hawke slipped forward and searched for the Noman's escape route.

* * *

Selgin had expected the laser pistol's ion plasma charge to blow, giving him cover. Instead, one of the Warriors in heavy body armor had charged for it, grabbing it in a fluid motion, and then advanced on him. He had nothing he could do now except release the primed smoke grenade he'd been holding to use as additional cover after the laser pistol exploded. Pitching it forward, it exploded in a dark cloud just in front of Anubis, who took the minimal blast in full stride and kept coming. As smoke poured from the cannister, Selgin fired with his back-up laser pistol he'd been holding just for such an emergency.

There was a small access hatch a few meters away, so Selgin rolled toward the hatch, but it was too late. Emerging from the smoke, he heard the crack of body armor flexing as the Warrior dived toward his position, landing where he'd just been. Selgin realized he couldn't reach the opening, so he fired off two quick charges at the Warrior. There was little he could do as the first fist hit him, then a second. The combination drove him backward, and he dropped his weapon to the floor. Knowing that he couldn't battle the armored Warrior effectively, he raised his hands and said, "I surrender! I surrender! I'll tell you everything, really!"

* * *

"I surrender! I surrender! I'll tell you everything, really!"

Hearing those words, the Noman knew this was Selgin's last act of betrayal. From his vantage point, he activated the laser bole and let it fly.

* * *

JustinB

Lt Anubis quickly disabled the laser pistol before it exploded. He then rushed Selgin, with all his might. Lt JustinB saw him pull out a smoke grenade. He was just about to warn Anubis to watch out, when it was thrown and exploded in front of Anubis. JustinB rushed to give him a hand. He hit the deck though, when a laser blast exploded next to him. He looked up in time to see Anubis dive head on in a tackle and take Selgin to the ground.

"I surrender! I surrender! I'll tell you everything, really!" yelled Selgin. As JustinB made his way to Anubis he checked in, "Lt Colonel Charybdis, this is Alpha Leader, we have secured the prisoner." "Alpha Leader, arrange an escort to the Brig. The rest of your team to form up with myself, Charybdis out," came the reply.

Just as he was to pick the prisoner escort detail, he heard a familar whining noise. 'Oh my god, that is the sound of a laser bole' he thought to himself as he looked around to find the direction of the weapon.

* * *

Lucian

From the time he heard the beginning of the whir to the time the explosion occurred was less than half of a micron. Anubis had dropped like a rock to the deck and was in the process of sweeping his foot around to knock Selgin to the ground as well. The laser bole hit him in the back, throwing him forward several meters into a pile.

Several Warriors squeezed off shots in the general direction from whence the weapon had come, but no one had actually seen who had thrown it. Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis stepped forward with his weapon still drawn to see that Selgin still lived, but barely. He signaled to Lieutenant JustinB to get medical help as he turned to try to get something out of Selgin.

“Selgin, tell me, who threw that bole? What is your group’s plan?”

Breathing raggedly, Selgin said, “’E always said…he’d kill us…if we…screwed up…Hi guess…Hi did…Doesn’t…matter…though…you’ll all…be dead…soon…too.”

A spasm of coughing and blood followed as Charybdis asked for more information but received only a glazed stare in return. A few moments later, he reached out and closed the dead man’s eyelids. Turning to the others, he said, “Find where that came from. We must catch the person who did this. Our time may be running out quicker than we think.”

* * *

The Noman had slipped through two compartments, and was in the process of opening a passage to a third. He knew this area of the ship better than anyone so he was extremely surprised to hear the voice behind him.

“You’re not going to get away with it, you know. We’re on to you now. We’ll keep coming after you and after you until you get tired of running.”

“Mr. Hawke! Imagine seeing you here,” he said in mild surprise. “I should have listened to my senses. I knew you were too good to be true but I convinced myself that I needed you. If I’d only had you killed when I had the chance. Well, better late than never!”

He dived at Hawke, knocking the stunner from his grip. His fist rammed into Hawke, first one, then two, three, and four, like pile driver, driving Hawke backward step after step; however, to his great surprise, Hawke didn’t break. Instead, he responded with smashing blows of his own in quick response, effectively retaking the steps he’d just lost.

“Better rethink that,” breathed Hawke heavily. “I plan on being around long after scum like you is long gone.”

A vicious kick sent Hawke reeling backward, where he grabbed a pipe and swung around upon his attacker. The gravelly voiced Noman responded, also breathing hard, “I don’t have time to deal with you at the moment, Hawke. Places to be, humans, and especially Warriors, to kill…you know how it is.”

He came on with another flurry of blows, most of which Hawke countered, but his speed and endurance was starting to tell on the Warrior-turned-Security Officer. The last kick hit Hawke in the kneecap, knocking him to the ground in pain, but he rolled to the side to avoid being stomped and jumped back up to face more. When he was facing the Noman once more, he was surprised to see a large knife in his right hand. In pain, he jumped back to avoid the first pair of slashing blows, but was surprised to feel a hot trail ripped across his chest where the Noman’s knife had just grazed him. Feeling the blood oozing into his clothes, he continued stepping back, looking for an avenue of escape, but finding nothing. The Noman was only a meter away now, preparing to plunge the knife into him. Hawke was about to go on the offensive, when an electronic voice said, “Put down the knife and surrender.”

The Noman, never one to give up jumped for Hawke, but the Colonial Trooper was actually expecting this. The Trooper fired, hitting the Noman in the leg, spinning him about and dropping him to the floor. He slashed at Hawke again, but Hawke grabbed the hand with the knife and held on to keep from being skewered with it. Hearing others entering the room, the Noman suddenly released the knife and butted Hawke with his head, allowing himself to roll free. Seeing another Trooper and several Warriors entering the compartment, the Noman slapped his hand against his back as if in pain, then he collapsed against the bulkhead sliding downward to the deck. He made no threatening moves, as if he was almost happy to be apprehended, allowing the Warriors to come get him.

Hawke was the first to hear the muffled sound. “WEAPON!” he screamed as the now smiling Noman suddenly rose to one knee and pulled an activated laser bole from behind his back. As he did, he went into the Borellian quick release throw. Several Warriors dived for cover as others raised weapons to fire at him. Hawke rolled across the floor, grabbed the knife, and sent it flying. It hit the Noman in the throat, drowning him slowly in his own blood. As the strength left his body, he feebly released the laser bole, which crashed to the deck next to him.

WHHOOOOOMMM!!!!

* * *

JustinB

From the time he heard the beginning of the whir to the time the explosion occurred was less than half of a micron. Anubis had dropped like a rock to the deck and was in the process of sweeping his foot around to knock Selgin to the ground as well. The laser bole hit him in the back, throwing him forward several meters into a pile.

Several Warriors squeezed off shots in the general direction from whence the weapon had come, but no one had actually seen who had thrown it. Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis stepped forward with his weapon still drawn to see that Selgin still lived, but barely. He signalled to Lieutenant JustinB to get medical help as he turned to try to get something out of Selgin.

************************

Lieutenant JustinB notified the Med-Lab that he had an officer with a blast wound requiring attention. He also said he needed some Med-Techs urgently, to help with the prisoner. "Nylah, RaycerX, you stay with Anubis and guard the prisoner until help arrives and take them both to the Med-Lab," But as he looked across at the prisoner he contacted the Med-Lab, "Med-Lab, the prisoner is dead."

From his right he heard Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis, "Find where that came from. We must catch the person who did this. Our time may be running out quicker than we think.” With that JustinB, Rose and Kris checked out the location where the laser bole came from. Frantically they searched for the unknown attacker. Just as they were about to head off in the opposite direction, Kris turned around and said, "Justin, I hear a scuffle coming from over there." After informing Charybdis they made their way towards the scuffle.

Upon arrival, they saw Hawke and a Noman fighting for survival. Seeing another Trooper and several Warriors entering the compartment, the Noman slapped his hand against his back as if in pain, then he collapsed against the bulkhead sliding downward to the deck. He made no threatening moves, as if he was almost happy to be apprehended, allowing the Warriors to come get him. The Trooper and JustinB fired upon the Noman, while Rose and Kris headed for cover. The next thing he saw was a knife plunging into the Nomans neck. The laser bole fell beside him and detonated. The battle was over.

Everyone except Rose sat down in relief. She made her way to Hawke, looked him in the eyes and with tears rolling down her cheek asked Hawke, "Why Hawke, why have you betrayed us?"

[LucianG]

Lucian

The smoke from the blast was still hung thick in the air when Hawke arose, trying to shake off the ringing in his ears. He began looking around as if searching for something.

"Hold it, Hawke," said one of the Warriors who appeared at the edge of the now clearing smoke. "Drop your weapons and put your hands up!"

Hawke didn't recognize the Warrior in the armor with the helmet in place, but he also didn't care. He said, "Quickly, there's a small electronic controller box that we must find! Everyone, look for it!"

Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis approached and nodded, giving his approval to do as Hawke said. "Mr. Hawke, what are we trying to find?" he asked.

"Colonel, it's the controller for their distribution system. They were trying to poison our water supply. With the controller, we should be able to shut down the dispensing system. If we can't find it, we'll have to trace the lines. The Noman showed me where they tied into the system, but he said the tanks were a couple of compartments away. Knowing these guys, I'm sure they booby trapped it."

"Ah...Colonel," said Captain Skyler, "could this be it?" He held up the mangled and fused remains of a small box embedded in a wall.

Charybdis looked at Hawke, who was nodding. "Looks like we better get an explosives expert back here. Hawke, show us where to start."

* * *

Lieutenant Rose was placed on the gurney and was quickly wheeled toward the Med Lab. Lieutenant Kris was going with her, telling her, "Hang on Rose, it'll be okay!" Rose moaned something about Hawke as they rolled along, but Hawke was busy elsewhere.

Lieutenant Anubis had taken helped to a seat where he'd removed his armor to find a small burn on his leg, just above the knee. He placed a burn pad over it, and the medicine started to soothe it almost immediately. He picked up his weapon and joined the search for the dispensing system.

* * *

JustinB

"Why Hawke, why have you betrayed us?"
**************

Lieutenant Rose was placed on the gurney and was quickly wheeled toward the Med Lab. Lieutenant Kris was going with her, telling her, "Hang on Rose, it'll be okay!" Rose moaned something about Hawke as they rolled along, but Hawke was busy elsewhere.

Lieutenant Anubis had taken helped to a seat where he'd removed his armor to find a small burn on his leg, just above the knee. He placed a burn pad over it, and the medicine started to soothe it almost immediately. He picked up his weapon and joined the search for the dispensing system.

**************

"Sorry for over-reacting to your injuries back there. With the world going crazy back there, I thought you were hurt more than you were," said Lieutenant JustinB to Lieutenant Anubis as they searched for the dispensing system together.

He motioned for Lieutenants RaycerX and Nylah to join them. "Let me say this, you all did your squadron proud today." With that he left the group, to be by himself. The battle had tested him. He nearly lost half his team in the firefight. He stopped, looked up to the Heavens and said, "Lords of Kobol, Thanks!!" His thoughts turned to Rose, hoping she was coping with the situation. Once the dispensing system was found he would ask permission to be excused and see how Rose was doing.

* * *

Charybdis

"And one more thing," I added, "issue orders for Gold squadron warriors to surround the immediate area and all access to it. If there's anyone else involved, we need to get them now."

I looked down at the gooey mess that had been the Noman. What were they thinking with a plot like this? Kill us all and take over the ship? For what purpose? It didn't make too much sense.

I checked to see if everyone who had participated in the battle was alright, most were with the exception of Rose.
She was already being whisked away and tended to by Med Lab personnel.

Those gathered around were wondering who had fired the shot that brought the Noman down and saved Hawke. It was one of the two unknown Warriors who had come along, although no one knew who they were.

"It was a good shot," Skyler commented to the others.

"And it's time to find out from whom it came." I motioned to the two Warriors who were standing to one side still in their complete armor outfits.

They slowly began to lift the helm from their heads…

* * *

Brie

Not knowing what the reaction would be, the first of the two warriors made herself known. It was Major Brie, the second warrior (the one who had fired the shot that had killed the Noman) was Lt. Amy. They were both very much alive. There was a stunned silence.

Brie stared at the blank faces. She scanned them quickly, then looked directly at Cain. "Sorry, my friend," she said to him so that everyone could hear, "but I want my squadron back."

* * *

Lucian

"Do you see it?" Raycer asked. "It disappears into this bulkhead just below the pipe."

"Go it," came the response over the comm. "We're tracing it."

* * *

It was quite late, but Commander Sheba decided that this was important enough to awaken anyone who might be asleep. She gave the order to patch her message throughout the ship.

"This is Commander Sheba. We have a Battlestar wide emergency. A terrorist cell has poisoned a small portion of our water supply. Effective immediately, water in the distribution system is off limits for consumption. DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT drink the water. Our C&B hazard teams have been activated, and we are currently in the process of neutralizing the agent. Uncontaminated water from our reserves are currently being tapped and distributed by bottle throughout the Callisto. Able bodied individuals willing to help in this effort are to report to one of the distribution stations that are being listed on the monitors as I speak. We will be able to neutralize and dilute this agent soon. For your information, the terrorist cell has been eliminated, with the help of a number of our Warriors, including the formerly 'late' Major Brie and Lieutenant Amy, who had actually faked their deaths in an attempt to lure the members of the terrorist cell out into the open. Thanks to them and to everyone who helped put and end to this madness. Remember, DO NOT drink the water. Sheba, out.

* * *

At one of the stations, several Frodarians walked up. The three people manning the station looked apprehensive at first until the lead Frodarian said, "Here are we to help. What can we do?"

* * *

As they moved to the next compartment where the lines were currently being traced, Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis looked at Hawke and said, "Officer, she didn't mention your part in all of this. Any suggest why?"

Hawke grinned, "Well, Sir, if she did, I guess she figures she'd never be able to use me in an undercover op again. This way, with it pretty much confined to the Warriors, there's always that chance."

* * *

Charybdis

"Good thinking, you never know what may arise in the future," I replied to Hawke. He was still quite young, but he had been through quite an ordeal and he handled it well.

"You did an excellent job, Hawke, let's see about getting you back into the Warrior ranks, eh?"

He smiled and thought about what he was going to say...

* * *

Nefeteri

Teri stepped back quickly from Stadia as she was pushed aside by the burst of action in the medlab. There had been an explosion. Now was not the time to introduce herself to Cain. She really had to get his attention though with this new happening. What to do? Then she heard the whispers.
"Brie and Amy are alive?" she said to herself as she repeated outloud what she heard.
Cain turned and looked straight at her.
"Who are you?" he barked.
"Ensign Nefeteri, reporting for duty sir. I've been attempting to find a good time to report." Her voice was shaky.
She awaited Cain's response as he stared at her in this newest of emergencies.

* * *

Brie

Cain, not sure if he was still a Major or a Captain again, and not really caring, looked at Ensign Nefeteri. "Sorry, I guess I'm no longer the one that you would report to." He was still in shock at seeing his friends alive once again.

Major Brie, who was enjoying every moment of her rebirth, joined them. "You must be Ensign Nefeteri," she said, holding out her hand. "Welcome to Gold Squadron. Sorry I wasn't around to welcome you earlier, but I was dead. Once things calm down around here we'll find you a bunk and I'll introduce you around."

[LucianG]

Stadia

Stadia watched everyone welcome Brie and amy back to the living. She smiled as she turned back to her room. Seeing the baby stirring she sneaks over to his side. she strokes his cheek. She picks him up and holds him as she moves back to her bed. She covers her legs with a blanket and sets the baby down between her feet. She unwraps him so he can wiggles his little toes and flex his fingers.

She stared at his sweet innocent face and wonder where life was going for her. She looks up when she hears a noise. She smiles when she sees that its Major Brie.

"Nice to see you up and about, Stadia. I thought you would still be under the weather."

"The same can be said for you Major."

Major Brie looks down at the child. She smiles seeing that the battle she just participated in was worth it as is the one currently going on to save the water supply.

"So How are you really doing? I know before you ended up here, you were going through a rough time?"

"I've not thought about anything that happened before I ended up here. It has been something I didnt want to deal with. It hur thinking about it..."

* * *

MaraJadeJedi

Mara came running through the halls as she heard the word. She saw Major Brie and Lt Amy standing there. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tackled them both. There on the ground giggling and crying, Mara hit them both in the arms!
"Don't either of you do that to me again! I am so mad I could cry!"
Amy laughed.
"Silly you are crying." Mara scowled then smiled.

"I'm just glad you guys are back. Now you two can stand up for me when Skyler and me get sealed, which I hope is soon. I can't take much more of this excitement!" She giggles then hugs her friends. Skyler walks over and helps them up, hanging onto Mara a little longer than the others. Mara blushed. Then saw there was a new person.
Walks over and puts her hand out.
"Hi I am Lt MaraJade. You are?"
"Ensign Nefiteri but everyone calls me Teri."
"well nice to meet you and glad you chose gold. If you see Lt Kris tell her gold is better." Mara winks at Brie. "See its an old tradition of bickering between Brie and Kris." Mara starts to giggle again then walked over to Skyler and leaned into him.
She had her two best friends back, her fiance was still alive and not hurt this time and neither was she, and she made a new friend who chose gold. yes siree it was definately a happy time.

* * *

Jarrynn

Jarrynn looked around and was trying to treat Rose when she got bumped by someone that came to see if Major Brie was alive. Deep inside she was glad to see them both alive. She wished she could say something to them but her paitents needed her. And thats what was making her lose her patience was her paitents. She kept having to find ways around people, when she got pushed out of the way and she got up and glared. Standing on her desk she took a deep breath and yelled.
"IF YOU ARENT HURT OR SICK OR INJURED OR BELONG IN HERE MOVE THIS TO THE OCLUB OR SOMEWHERE ELSE!" Jarrynn's cheeks flushed as she realized everyone looked at her, some with their jaws open. She quickly got down and noticed people starting to leave. Kris snickered at her as she knew that it was not common for Jarrynn to blow up like that. Jarrynn could hear her twin busting a gutt laugh in the hall way, leaving Jarrynn to scowl. Jarrynn walked over to Amy and Brie and smiled.
"No offense guys but I need for Phoebe, Holodoc, Doc and I to be able to work. But I am glad you aren't dead.....both of you." She said with a smile. "If you will excuse me, I have a few people that need my help now. I would love to chat with you ladies sometime."

Kris snuck back in.

"Rose?"
"Don't know right now. I will let you know as soon as possible." Kris nodded and headed back out. Probably to go find Nat, Jarrynn thought. She was glad things were working out for them two. Sighing she went back to work.

* * *

Lucian

Lucian was awakened by Commander Sheba's statement over shipwide comm. The 'party' that started a little later, and Nurse Jarrynn's abrupt ending of it, didn't bother him in the least. Holodoc had said that he'd be able to get out and about in a couple of cycles, though it would be some time before he was fully operational again. He looked at the chrono, watching the microns click by, hoping that all was well with his command.

A short time later, the painkillers doing their job and the cares lifted from his mind, he dozed once more.

* * *

BSGRose

Rose was laying there on the bed there in MedLab in pain. She was tossing and turning unable to get comfortable from the pain she was in and thinking about seeing Hawke in the middle of things during fight with the renegades. She had believed him when he said he wasn't associating with them and cleaning up his act when it came to his temper, but now she wasn't so sure any more.

Drifting in and out of consciousness, Rose tossed and turned while mumbling, "Why Hawke? Why did you do it? Why did you betray me and the others?"

* * *

Charybdis

"I've got it, sir!" yelled one of the techs who had been brought in to study the water distribution systems. "It's right here. Apparently, the entire system was not affected. Since we have several redundant mechanisms for different parts of the Callisto, not all of the poison could get into the entire system. The poisoned lines are located in Beta bay and from there, through the whole main body of the ship all the way back to the engine compartments.

However, Alpha and the forward bridge sections are on another water distrib system, so as of right now, they are not affected, as far as we know."

"Good, keep on it," I replied as I made my way back to the bridge to report to Commander Sheba.

+++++++++

"At least that gives us a little time, but not much." Sheba said after hearing my report. "We need to get those launch teams ready for exploration the micron we hit the next system. Only a couple of more cycles to go."

"Commander, at this rate with the reduced water capacity, we may only have a couple more cycles left." It sounded pretty bad, that's because it was. We needed to find food and water and fast.

* * *

Nefeteri

Teri had gotten to the water systems only to find out that Charybdis was back on the bridge. He was the one Brie said to report to so that was exactly who she was going to find.
She approached the bridge, much in awe of Commander Sheba but also taken by Lt. Col. Charybdis. She slowed her pace as she approached him. She awaited the conversation between Sheba and Charybdis to end.
"Excuse me, sir," she spoke quietly but he did not hear her. She spoke again but at this moment was lower down than him so she tugged at his uniform. This was not a good thing to do. He lost he balance and the next thing she knew he was in her arms. She pushed all the weight she could against him so he would not land on the floor. This was NOT a good beginning. All she could say was, "Ensign Nefeteri reporting from Major Brie, sir."
He regained his composure and lifted himself back to the bridge.

* * *

Lucian

They were looking at four "tanks," isolated sections of pipe that the Noman and his cronies had isolated with valves, drained, and then filled with the liquid form of brain crystals that they had produced in their surprisingly complete laboratories that had been discovered in a couple of the interstitial spaces that even the Callisto's designers would have probably thought would never be accessed.

"Colonel Charybdis, please come in," said Lieutenant JustinB. "We've got it, but you're not going to like it, Sir. There are a number of collars placed around these pipes, and more cables connecting them than you can imagine. We could use a demo expert, Sir."

* * *

On Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis' orders, the engineers had succeeded in shutting down much of the active portion of the water system so that the drug was concentrated primarily in the Beta Bay area. Nurse Holodoc, assisting the Chemical and Biological Hazard (C&B) teams was testing samples from the other isolated sections to make sure that the concentrations were not too great. All of the reading that she had done when helping with Lieutenant Stadia's poisoning indicated that trace amounts were not harmful. The first sample she had just completed did find a trace, but the amount of water into which it had been placed effectively diluted it. She used a pipette to take another sample and prepared to test it. This one was from Beta Bay....

* * *

Captain Urdea was breathing a slight sigh of relief. He hoped this was the end of this conspiracy. As far as they knew, they had caught and put an end to the entire criminal cell. There were still a few suspects that might have been tied to it, but there was no real evidence against them, so he was going to question each separately. If there was nothing else to incriminate them, the 'talk' would probably be the end of it.

He had checked the remains prior to allowing them to be taken to the Med Lab for forensic pathology tests. Finding nothing unusual, he had instructed Lieutenant Proteus to check the lockers and personal effects of the dead Security Officers. Sergeant Winnie, on hearing the word that Hawke had been involved in a different way than she had expected, had volunteered to help. Before she joined Proteus, however, she stopped to talk to Hawke.

"Well, Officer, if it works like I expect, you'll outrank me again soon," she said with a laugh. "I'm sorry I doubted you, but under the circumstances, I hope you understand. You were acting mighty suspicious, after all, to be able to do what you did. Thanks for all of your help." She reached up and planted a little kiss on his cheek. When he looked at her in surprise, she gave him a stern but mischievous look and said, "Don't even think about it, Officer. I still outrank you for a few centons, anyway. Besides, I hear there's a Warrior in the Med Lab who'd probably like to see you about now." She gave him a grin, then walked over to Proteus. Together, they left to begin their search.